HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners approved the consent agreement that could be the first step in providing water to the Yoder Rural Water District 101.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the board approved the agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The city of Hutchinson is considering selling water to the small rural water district after several attempts to rid the area of high nitrate levels failed to produce the necessary results.
The water district located north of Yoder has been out of compliance for nitrate levels for more than a year. Much discussion centered around getting the infrastructure in place and if any savings could be recognized by combining several projects at once including the renovation of two rural sewer districts in the area. Public Works Director Don Brittain said it was too early to see if any such savings was possible.
There was also discussion on water rates for the rural water district as an increase will be necessary to pay for the infrastructure to get water to the area. Brittain noted that they should increase rates now and begin generating funds to help pay for the construction work and the cost of the water when it's available. That matter will be back before the County Commission in September.
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